Good morning, Blacksburg.

Today, Virginia Tech football players and coaches set aside football gear to help the community by cleaning a local daycare playground in Blacksburg and areas along the New River Valley.

Coach Pry said the team volunteered — cleaning sandboxes and raking mulch — to thank local fans who fill every home game seat and to gear up for their spring game next week.

Hundreds gathered in Elmwood Park on Saturday for a nationwide 'Hands Off' protest that filled the park and saw community members calling to defend social security, Medicare, disability rights, and education.

Blacksburg resident Dana Hess attended the rally and organizers said the large event shows local unity plus the force of a national movement.

Virginia Tech alumna Christina Daves 89 gave the opening keynote at the Pamplin Women's Summit today—she told how a broken foot led her to a media career and a top inventor prize.

She urged the crowd to believe in themselves, stay adaptable, and support others as they grow in their careers.

Virginia Tech President Tim Sands held a town hall Friday to address concerns over the Board resolution to dissolve the Office of Inclusive Strategy and Excellence and upcoming policy reviews amid federal challenges on diversity and research funding.

He said the university community—including students, faculty, staff, board members and alumni—remains committed to diversity and academic freedom and will receive further updates as changes occur.

Career and Professional Development has launched Iris — a free professional photo booth that allows students to take quality LinkedIn profile photos with professional lighting and editing options in as little as 15 minutes.

The service is offered at the Smith Career Center on campus — appointments are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Virginia Tech’s Professor Christine Gilbert and her students are testing watercraft designs in the 98-foot tow tank at Norris Hall by measuring force and pressure on a four-foot model boat in different sea conditions—this project gives undergraduates hands-on experience in naval architecture and prepares them for work in defense.

Innovation Campus professor Yang “Cindy” Yi received a Meta Research Lab grant to develop low-power hardware for future AR glasses — she and five students will work on improving optoelectronic systems and circuit components such as APDs, TIAs, mixers, and ADCs.

Virginia senators and delegates sent a bipartisan letter Friday to the U.S. Department of Agriculture — asking why $500 million in TEFAP funds for more than 400 food banks was canceled and if there are plans to support these groups.

The lawmakers’ inquiry follows growing concerns as food insecurity and increased pantry visits impact many low-income families.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is asking locals to help stop invasive pests by cleaning equipment before leaving outdoor areas and by using firewood from nearby sources.

The call comes during Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month to protect local agriculture and natural resources.

Virginia Tech vs. Troy Baseball Match

3:30 a.m. — English Field at Atlantic Union Bank Park — Tickets available — Watch the Virginia Tech Hokies face off against the Troy Trojans in an exciting baseball matchup.

Florida State Seminoles at Virginia Tech Hokies Baseball

1-5 p.m. — English Field at Atlantic Union Bank Park — Tickets required — Come watch the Hokies face off against the Seminoles in an exciting afternoon of college baseball.

The Grass Is Dead: Bluegrass Tribute

8 PM – 12 AM — The Milk Parlor — $ — Experience America's original bluegrass tribute to the music of the Grateful Dead and beyond!

Bonsai Painting Night at Beliveau Farm Winery

6-8 p.m. — Beliveau Farm Winery — Ticket sales end March 21st, 2025 — Unleash your creativity while sipping wine and painting your own bonsai masterpiece.